Fandom The Long Winter [Closed]

[teathyme]

Bran Stark didn't know how he could live with himself. His father was dead. Theon had betrayed them all when he turned against Robb and seized Winterfell and Bran had been a fool to believe that that Theon wouldn't hurt anyone if he yielded. Now Rodrik was dead. Because of him. The two farm boys, Jack and Billy, were dead. Because of him. Sonny's uncle, aunt, and father were dead. All because of him. Having to continue to face her every day on their journey was one the hardest things he had ever had to do. Would she ever forgive him for being so foolish and naive?

Sonny...

The two of them had grown up together, and in most of his happiest memories he could recall her. He remembered how they used to climb the broken tower together and how upset his mother would get with both of them. It never stopped either of them, though. He would give anything to go back to those days.

"I'm hungry!," Rickon whined, standing up impatiently as Shaggydog also began to growl. It had been a couple of days since they had began making their way toward Castle Black. They hadn't been able to bring along much food for them, but luckily Osha could hunt and Sonny knew how to use a bow. Hopefully the two of them and Summer would be able to find some food to bring back. Bran hated having to rely on them both so much. The accident had forced him to become dependent. But he was still grateful.

"Sonny and Osha went out to find food. They'll be back soon you just have to be patient," Bran tried to tell the younger Stark, but Rickon would not listen and instead only grew more restless.

"What if they don't come back? Nobody comes back anymore! Not mother, not Robb, not Sansa or Arya, and not father!"

Bran swallowed hard but otherwise remained firm. He wanted to be sympathetic and reassuring, but he had experienced too many hardships to believe that simply remaining optimistic would make things better. "Robb is fighting a war to get our sisters back," he stated before patting the spot in the dirt beside him, "now sit down. We can't let anyone else know that we're out here."

"I don't want to," Rickon spat back before turning on his heel and leaving with Shaggydog.

"Hodor..."

"It's alright, Hodor. Shaggydog will keep him safe," he reassured the large man. Their direwolves had always been fiercely loyal and protective of them and Shaggydog in particular was known to be quite vicious to anyone who wasn’t Rickon.

When he heard the sound of twigs snapping, Bran was almost led to believe that Rickon had turned back around, but knew better. Rickon never got over his tantrums so easily or quickly. "Sonny?," he questioned unsurely and began to reach for a stick by his side as Hodor stood.

---

Katryna Frey had known what to expect this day, but she couldn't say that she was happy about it. Catelyn Stark had come before them the previous day to ask for passage through The Twins on behalf of her son, Robb, who had recently been dubbed 'The King in the North.' With Eddard Stark dead and the Stark daughters held captive, the North was more anxious than ever to crush the Lannisters. But they'd need to cross the Green Fork to do that and there weren't any other crossing points aside from the Twins for hundreds of miles in both directions.

Many knew Walder Frey to be a stingy and self-serving man and this proved to be the case when he agreed to allow the Northern army passage through The Twins on the condition that Robb Stark marry one of his daughters. Now that Catelyn Stark had returned with her son and a few of the other Northern lords, it was clear that a wedding would be held and her father had promised to allow Robb to choose between her and her sisters.

Katryna didn't consider herself vain, but even she knew it'd be an obvious choice. Her sisters, all of which were collectively known to be rather unbecoming, envied her for her beauty, charisma, and intelligence, and while she prided herself in the latter, none of it would do her any good if she was just going to be auctioned off like a whore. She would not be allowed to marry for love or choice, and while it saddened her, there was nothing she could do about her situation.

But she didn't know what kind of man Robb Stark was and what it'd mean for the rest of her life if she was chosen.

And now she found herself standing before the Stark mother and son alongside her many sisters, some of which appeared to be rather hopeful. She did her best not to draw attention to herself and even stood on the far right side of the line in hopes of being overlooked or going unnoticed. Whether or not it had actually helped her, her father did end up giving up almost halfway through the introductions as he named her sisters starting from the far left. It made her bitter, though. What kind of man would forget the name of his own daughter?

"Well? I'm not getting any younger here," Walder Frey urged on impatiently, clearly just wanting to get the whole ordeal over with. He didn't care which of his daughters Robb would choose. He actually planned to have them all married off at some point anyway since they had piled up over the years.

Catelyn, while not entirely happy with the idea of her son being forced to marry a Frey girl, did give him a supportive glance as she silently assured him that she would continue to support him no matter what.

@wxnderlust

 

[christy]

From high up above in the trees, Sonny wished she could see more of the land. In truth, all she saw were more trees that stretched for miles. It was a long way to Castle Black, especially with the pace they were going at. They couldn't afford to go much faster. Rickon was still so small, and Bran... Well, he couldn't exactly walk.

Sonny didn't blame him for anything that happened so far though, even though she knew he blamed himself for a lot of it. He had been the acting Lord of Winterfell when everything went haywire. So, she understood a little about where he was coming from. Unfortunately, she had never gotten the chance to say goodbye to her own family, who were now all slain. All except for her dear cousin who was pretending she didn't exist, for her own safety.

All these things continued to run through her mind when she was alone, and at the moment, she had only chosen to stay up high in the trees where nobody else was so she could pick off her prey from up above, where nobody would hear her.

Not that it mattered much. She was pretty light on her feet even when she was on the ground. She spent most of her childhood learning to hunt with her father and cousin. She was glad it was finally being put to good use.

There was a sudden rustle. It was so soft that it could have gone unnoticed, but Sonny had a keen sense of hearing, and her sight was spot on too, since she had spent so long hunting. She spotted the rabbit down below, not far from where she was. An arrow was already clenched in her hand, so she just readjusted her bow before nicking an arrow and taking aim. Seconds later, it soared through the sky, hitting her target in the neck, impaling it completely. A quick, swift death. It was what she preferred. She didn't like to see the animal struggling.

"Well, that's the fifth one, I think that's enough," Osha called out from down below. She hadn't been too far behind, helping. She had caught two rabbits, and Sonny, three. Summer had found two as well, but ate them himself. For now, the food was enough. It was getting a little dark anyway, and she didn't want to be too far from Bran and the others when night fell.

Swiftly, Sonny climbed down a few branches before landing with a soft thud onto the forest floor and picking up her kill. She tied it along with the other rabbits they had gotten. "Let's head back then." she told Osha with a smile before the two began to head back to camp, Summer close by.

She heard Bran's voice just as she approached them, and she was a little relieved that he had heard. That meant she could count on him to alert her if any other company came by while she and Osha were hunting. He had a good ear.

"Yeah, it's us," she assured Bran, now coming into proper view. As she handed Osha the rabbits -- she skinned them better anyway -- Sonny glanced around. "Where's Rickon?" She asked, slightly concerned. She was already so concerned about all of them, but since she was so close to Bran and Rickon, she got more worried when one of them weren't in her view.


Robb hadn't exactly been too thrilled to learn he had to marry a woman not of his choosing in order to gain a very important passageway through the Twins. Though he supposed Walder Frey might have asked for much more of Robb had gone to see him himself. His mother knew the man better so he had felt it was best if she had gone to make the arrangements.

When she came back, he had not expected her to say that he needed to join their houses. He was known as the King in The North. What sort of King would he be if he was being forced into a marriage?

You'd be a good King. A faithful one and a trustworthy one, his mother's words replayed in his head as they made their way to Walder Frey's. Your people will see you thinking of this war ahead of us, rather than who you marry. It's an inspiring trait, and you need to encourage them all, give them more of a reason to follow you into battle when the time comes.

Robb knew she had a point, but that didn't mean it made him much happier. Still, he was going to go through with it, without question. He had made a promise, and he would stick to it. Breaking oaths ever ended well, for either party involved.

Once they entered the castle, there were the usual formalities, before Frey brought out his daughters. There were a few of them, but still, Robb didn't think that gave the man reason to forget some of their names. Robb didn't say anything though. He spoke only when spoken to, maintaining proper manners. He needed to be on Frey's good side. And it turned out he had, because he didn't know he would be getting the opportunity to choose his own bride, among all those that were there.

It felt a little odd, to Robb. As if this was a market and he had come to buy something. Still, he said nothing and instead got a good look at each and every girl. Only one stood out though, and that was because she was exceptionally beautiful compared to the others. Robb had to admit that he wasn't expecting that. He glanced at his mother who simply gave him an encouraging nod. Robb didn't want to feel like he was just picking out meat for slaughter, so he stood in front of the dark haired girl and spoke politely.

"My Lady," he gave her a small bow, a welcoming gesture, where his words were left open ended so that she may fill it with her good name.

 

[teathyme]

Bran smiled out of relief as Sonny came into his view, glad to know that it hadn't been anyone he didn't recognize. He set the stick he had grabbed aside. He knew it wouldn't have helped him much. He wasn't exceptionally big or strong, and those qualities he lacked were only further emphasized by his inability to use his legs.

It would be hard to beat someone with a stick while sitting on the ground. Hodor was big and strong, but the giant man was also gentle. Bran didn't think he'd be capable of hurting someone else.

His gaze bounced between his friends, the dead rabbits, and Summer's red-stained muzzle. It looked like they were all going to be well fed tonight. When Sonny had asked about Rickon, Bran stared at his boots and frowned. Rickon was seven and he wasn't able to keep him in line. He felt like he had control over nothing these days.

"He went for a walk. Shaggydog went with him," he neglected to mention the bit about his younger brother taking off in a worried frenzy after yelling about their family never coming back. "Can you go and get him?," he turned toward Osha, "he's probably hungry by now." Bran already knew he was.

Osha complied and set the rabbits aside from the time being. It wouldn't take her long to skin them when she got back. "It's almost dark. We're goin' to be needin' a fire," she told them before heading back into the vast forest to find Rickon.

Bran glanced back at the stick he had put aside just mere moments ago before grabbing it again and tossing it into the small pile of sticks that Rickon and Shaggydog had gathered earlier. There wasn't a lot of wood, but it'd at least be enough to last them through the colder part of the night. Once morning came, they'd be on their way again. Castle Black was still a long ways from where they were, but they'd get there in time, hopefully. Robb was too far south now.

"Sonny," he spoke up again once he knew Osha was out of earshot. Hodor was still with them, but Bran didn't mind his presence as much. It was just the three of them right now.

---

Katryna didn't find herself feeling as eager and hopeful as the rest of her sisters did while the Stark King looked them all over, even though she was probably the one with the most reason to feel the latter. She felt sorry for her sisters, sorry that so much of their father was in them.

Still, Katryna hoped that they'd be able to find happiness one day. Today or another day at least. While many of them weren't very pleasing to look at, some of them were kind and sweet. A shame that character wasn't what most men concerned themselves with.

When the King in the North had stood before her, she raised her gaze to meet his. She didn't smile like her sisters would have, but she also wasn't paying attention to their envious stares at the moment. He was polite for a king, even though he had no reason to be with her. He was rather handsome, too, with his dark hair and blue eyes. Katryna knew she could be married to much worse. A man like her father would be much worse.

Walder hadn't been willing to spare a moment once Robb had finally appeared to settle on one of his daughters. 'Oh, you don't want that one,' he almost wanted to tell the young King, but didn't only because he simply didn't care which of his daughters would become a queen so long as one of them would.

Katryna had been the most troublesome of all of his children. She was pretty, but much too smart for her own good. She'd have been perfect if she was a mute. "What's the matter with you, girl? Have you forgotten how to speak? Tell the King your name," the old lord spat out impatiently.

"Your Grace," she returned the bow calmly, unwilling to let her rude father ruin her composure like he had tried to do so many times before. "Katryna is my name."

 

[christy]

Sonny's worry wasn't exactly eased to hear he had gone for a walk, especially when she couldn't yet see him, which meant he had left a while before she and Osha had returned from their hunting. Still, it was better to know that Shaggydog was with him.

"Thanks, Osha," she told the woman as she headed off to bring Rickon back. She turned toward Hidor only to find that the large man was sitting back down against a tree trunk, eyes closed. He had heavy lifting done every time they traveled, it was only natural for him to fall asleep in seconds.

Sonny made a mental note not to disturb him till their dinner was ready.

When Osha mentioned fire, and Bran spoke up to her, she immediately got to workgathering the sticks that wer there already and moving closer to where Bran was before setting up the pit for the fire in front of him. He couldn't exactly mov to the fire and since she didn't want to wake Hodor, she figured it would be esier to make one close to him.

"You doing alright?" She asked him in a soft tone while she got two rocks after setting the wood together and tossing s few leaves and twigs onto it as well. It took two tries, but she created a spark and in turn, a fire, which slowly grew as she added some more kindling.

Sonny knew that he probably was not alright, but she figured that as long as all of them were safe for now, there shouldn't be too much of a problem. They would get to Castle Black, Jon would see them and they would be in good hands after that.

Still, Sonny always worried for Bran. Out of all the Starks, she was closest to him. They grew up together, did so many things together, and to this day, she wishes it was herself that had climbed up that tower and fallen instead of him.


Robb was a little startled when Walder Frey urged the girl to speak -- and not in a very fatherly manner either. He supposed that with all his daughters, he didn't care much for who Robb picked. He just wanted the joining of houses. Robb understoo that, but still, it didn't mean he particularly enjoyed the man's tone.

It's just for safe passage. This is crucial to your plan, if you want any chance of beating the Lannister's and avenging your father.

Catelyn Stark's words continued to float around in Robb's mind which was the nlynthing that got him to go further.

"That's a pretty name," he told her, keeping up his charming smile. He knew it didn't have to be an act because he had already promised and it was clear he wasn't about to make his promise, but it was better to stay in good graces by appearing interested as well.

He shouldn't be too fast to judge anyway. He hadn't thought he might find someone he would like, and yet here he was, standing in front of Katryna, not seconds after he was introduced to the batch of girls. He was making good on his oath.

"I think perhaps it would be better if we got to know one another," he told her politely before holding out a hand. To Walder Frey, it was clear that he had chosen his bride already. But Robb wasn't going to go ito marriage blindly. He wanted to know the girl he was to spend the rest of his life with.

After a glance toward his mother, he looked to Frey. "If you don't mind, my Lord, I'd like to take Katryna around camp so we can speak freely."

 

[teathyme]

Bran watched quietly as Sonny got to work on the fire. He could see the look of worry in her eyes. He knew that she cared about Rickon, too. He wanted to reassure her. To tell her that everything was fine, and that they would all be safe soon, but he didn't feel like he had that right anymore.

He felt bad enough that she had to leave her remaining family behind to come along with him- something he believed she was doing out of obligation now. He wouldn't blame her for being mad at him, for hating him- as much as that hurt him to think. He was sure Robb would be disappointed in him as well. And he still didn't know how he was going to be able to face Jon when they did make it to Castle Black. To face his bastard older brother and tell him that everyone they knew growing up was now dead because of him.

"I'm fine," he told her softly as he watched her attempt to make sparks from the rocks. He really wasn't, but he didn't need her to know that. He didn't want her to worry about him. Not after everything she had been through. He wanted to see her smile again, but he wouldn't expect to anytime soon. "How are you holding up?," he asked as the fire was made and he began to take in the warmth. It wasn't as warm as he remembered his bed being, but it was something.

He tossed a few more small twigs into the flames before looking over at the dead rabbits again. "I'm sorry...I know you don't like killing them." He remembered how they used to have fun chasing rabbits back in the day. They never tried to kill them, though. Sonny had always been kind.

---

"Thank you, Your Grace," Katryna gave him a polite smile in return. She had her mother to thank for it. It was a nice thing for him to say, whether he truly meant it or not. Nothing about political marriages had to include any sort of love or affection, she understood that well. But still, he was kind to her thus far, and she appreciated it. Perhaps she'd even love him for it down the line one day. Finding love in an arranged marriage was usually unlikely, but not completely unheard of.

When he had brought up getting to know each other, she had raised a brow in surprise. She assumed he was anxious to march off to war by this point, and yet he still asked for time. Did he intend to use the time to decide whether or not he'd need to change his mind about her? She couldn't blame him if he did. Her dark eyes glanced down at his hand, and after a moment, she did take it. "I think I'd like that as well." She knew her father wouldn't.

"What for?," Walder Frey scowled down at them before Catelyn stepped in.

"Just for a few hours is all we ask," she pleaded once more on her son's behalf, "they're both young. Neither have married before. I'm sure the...Ceremony would go much smoother if they were at least acquainted with one another." She hadn't wanted to bring it up, but it was the only thing she could think of that might change the stingy old man's mind.

The old Lord appeared to consider the matter for a moment, and ultimately decided to relent. "Fine," he spat out before adding, "but be quick about it. I haven't got all day and last I checked, you still had a war to be fighting in."

 

[christy]

Sonny managed to work up a good fire just as the sun was starting to set. She rubbed her hands together in front of the flames and then retreated back to rest against the tree trunk where Bran was also seated. She felt much warmer sitting beside him.

Pulling her knees close to her body and wrapping her arms around them, se glanced over at the boy beside her. Never did she think it would come to this. That she’d have to be struggling to stay alive with the two boys she’d spent most of her life with. With everything going on, it was mayhem. Still though, she somehow got through.

“I’m doing okay,” she told him. True, she had witnessed the death of her father and uncle before she escaped with Bran and Rickon, but things could have definitely been worse off. “A lot better with you here. I think I might have given up otherwise,” she added with a small chuckle. She was never known to be the type to give up though. No, she was always quite determined. Even now she was determined to stay alive and keep Bran and Rickon alive. If she didn’t do that, she’d never get to avenge the death of her family.

The topic of rabbits made her smile a little as she remembered their younger days. “Those were good times,” she said with a look of longing. She wished it could be that way even now. “What do you think things would have been like if none of this war started?”

*~*~*~*~*

Robb Stark was a little tense for a moment, wondering if Walder Frey would entertain his request. Luckily though, his mother jumped to his defense, and she always made a pretty good argument. Robb was sure he wasn’t going to change his mind about which of his daughters he was going to marry, but he still wanted to get to know her better.

He looked at Walder Frey with a smile when he relented. “Thank you, My Lord. We won’t be long,” he assured the man before looking at Katryna, her hand still in his. He didn’t hesitate to give it a gentle tug in the direction of the doors, before leading her outside the hall and to the outside.

It was a sunny morning, quite pleasant, and nice to just walk around and get to know his future wife. He remained holding her hand till they were outside, which was when he loosened his grip so she could withdraw her hand if she wanted to. He knew he didn’t want to be forced into marriage so he could only imagine how Katryna must be feeling.

“If you don’t mind me asking, Lady Katryna,” he began, once they were outside. “Is this something you’d want?” He asked her, genuinely curious. It was one thing to do something against his will but he was cooperating for the sake of the war. He didn’t want to force someone else into a commitment if it wasn’t what they wanted though he knew that most times, the women never really got that choice.

 

[teathyme]

Bran smiled to himself as Sonny sat down beside him. She made him feel warmer. She always did. He caught himself staring at her face as the light from the flames kept her face visibly clear to him. The way her pale blonde locks framed her face and the vibrant green in his eyes- never had it all stood out so much to him before. Bran realized he had likely always been thinking it in the back of his mind, but she was very pretty.

He was quick to look away when he caught her glance and instead turned his attention toward their sleeping friend whilst silently hoping she hadn't noticed him staring a few moments ago. It was strange, feeling like he had to keep something from her. They used to tell each other everything. "You never know when to give up," Bran chuckled, "you were always stubborn." Like he was one to talk. But I'm glad you're here with me, too.

He had smiled as he saw the look of longing in her eyes, and was glad to know that he wasn't the only one feeling that way. Perhaps one day things would go back to normal, though he'd never walk again. He took a moment to think over her question, frowning as he recalled everything that led them to where they were now. "If none of this war ever started...," he repeated, trailing off a bit for a moment as he tried to pinpoint what had started the war in the first place, "my father would still be here with us. My mother wouldn't have left, and neither Robb nor I would have had to act as Lords yet."

"Everyone would be happier," everyone would still be alive, "maybe we would've gotten to hear more of Old Nan's stories, too." He always said he hated them, but he wouldn't have listened to them if he really did. "Maybe we...," he paused and soon found himself unable to say what he had initially intended to, "Osha and Rickon aren't back yet."

---

Katryna allowed Robb to guide her outside, and was silently grateful for the fresh air after having been stuck in the same room with her father for so long. She had wanted to thank Catelyn for buying them some time since she wasn't entirely sure how to go into a wedding and everything that would follow without at least knowing a bit about the man she was promised to. She would have to remember to do so later.

She took in the familiar scenes around her. The trees, the rivers, the castles, the bridge, things she had grown up seeing all of her life. A part of her wondered if she'd ever see them again after this day, but she didn't think she'd miss it all too much. Her father and sisters surely wouldn't miss her, though perhaps a few of her brothers might. She would at least write home from time to time, if only to keep in touch with them.

"Regretting your decision so soon, Your Grace?," she asked teasingly as she took her hand back, folding both behind her back as she continued walking alongside him. "I'm sure neither of us are doing this because we want to," she paused to glance back at The Twins castle, "my father coerced you into this marriage. As for me...Well, I suppose it was only a matter of time before he'd just give me away to someone else."

"I've always expected this for myself," she admitted, "and I've long since accepted it, as well. My father would say it's one of the only things I've done right in my life." Katryna paused for a moment and smiled as her eyes fell upon him once more, "though I must say that I never expected to marry someone from the North- let alone it's King."

 

[christy]

Sonny listened as Bran spoke, explaining what things would have been like if none of this was taking place. It was nice to hear it because she could almost imagine that she was there and it was real. Everyone would have definitely been happier and Old Nan's stories were always what she looked forward to. When he faltered, unable to finish one sentence, she looked from the flames to him again, curious as to what he was going to say.

She knew what was on her mind when he had paused. She was thinking about how they would grow older together, till adulthood, and maybe, possibly, be something more than friends. As a child, she always found the idea of getting married quite horrible, but she had been a young girl then. Now she was seventeen, and only getting older. If this war hadn't been taking place... Well, she would have liked to think that things between her and Bran would have been different.

When he cut off and spoke about Rickon and Osha instead, her expression fell a little, but quickly picked back up again when she realised the seriousness of his words. She glanced around her and then slowly rose to her feet. Hodor was still sound asleep and Sonny reached for an arrow from her quiver as she peered behind the tree she and Bran had been leaning against. She heard no sound at first, but then in the distance, she caught sight of Shaggydog. He seemed to be ahead, and not far behind was Osha, carrying Rickon on her back.

Sonny let out a sigh of relief. "They're coming," she assured Bran before allowing herself to sit back down. She wanted to eat and sleep. They had to travel once again, when morning came, and she would need her rest in order to travel and guard at the same time.


Robb felt a great deal better when Katryna referred to him as the North's King. It meant that she accepted the title, unlike many others that refused to side with him. Walder Fray was trying to use strategy to choose the winning side and make allies. Katryna didn't need to do that; this war was not hers and she was in no way involved. Yet she still chose to refer to him as the King in the North, which made him feel slightly better about his choice.

"No, neither of us are doing this because we want to," Robb agreed, holding his hands behind his back as he walked alongside her. People from his camp milled about, doing their own thing, and he nodded his greeting to a couple of them as they saw him come by. "But that doesn't mean that what it becomes has to be a bad thing," he continued, glancing toward her with a faint smile.

He wasn't feeling so bad about the wedding now. While forced, at least it wasn't to someone that despised him, and he had to admit, he was greatly appreciative of the fact that he got to choose his own bride. Knowing Walder Frey, he might have chosen his bride for him, just because he knew that in that moment, he had the authority to since Robb needed something from him.

"Well," he began, in response to her latter statement. "I never expected to marry politically, yet here I am," he smiled slightly. "All that aside though, I would like to get to know you. I think it would be better for us to get things out of the way before we're wed."

 

[teathyme]

Bran thought to reach out to Sonny as she stood, not wanting her to leave him at the moment. He didn't quite understand why it was that he didn't want to see her go, only that he wasn't afraid to be left alone. Perhaps it had something to do with what he had been thinking about earlier before he had stopped himself. What their lives could have been like had it not all gone to hell. There wasn't a version of his life where he didn't picture her by his side.

They had always been together, and Bran prayed, to the gods of old and new, that she wouldn't leave his side anytime soon.

He had lost too much already.

Bran let out a soft sigh of relief in response to spotting Shaggydog and hearing Sonny's assurances. He was glad to know his friend and brother were safe and that they'd all be able to make it through another night without too much trouble. "You shouldn't have ran off like that, Rickon," he scolded his younger brother lightly as Osha set the boy down and began skinning the rabbits. "What if Osha hadn't found you and you'd gotten lost?"

The smaller boy merely shrugged. "I wasn't going to get lost," he mumbled a bit bitterly, "Shaggydog was with me." Rickon gestured toward the dark direwolf which was now sitting beside Summer near the fire.

Seeing no point in arguing, Bran decided to let the topic slip away. Instead, he tried to cheer his brother up a bit. "Sonny and Osha caught rabbits for us. You should thank them," he smiled a bit, hoping that the thought of food would help to put his brother in a better mood. They didn't need to be fighting each other right now.

"Thank you..." Rickon spoke lowly, though Osha had managed to hear him.

"No need to thank me, little lord. Just don't go runnin' off like that again," the wildling woman set aside a skinned rabbit to be cooked as she picked up the next one.

---

Katryna wasn't surprised to hear that the marriage wasn't something Robb had intended on either, despite the fact that she had assumed as much just moments ago. Her father extorting people wasn't anything new. The price for crossing The Twins was always a rather steep one for most, and she knew for a fact that he wouldn't pass up the opportunity to wring out whatever he could from the one now called 'The King in the North'.

It really demonstrated the audacity that House Frey had become known for over the past centuries. And it was another reason why she was so ashamed of her family name. With any luck, perhaps she'd be able to change that one day.

"No, it doesn't," she had agreed, having decided that she would now try to make the best out of her circumstances. Her father wouldn't care if she was unhappy, anyway. "Whether it will or won't become a bad thing depends on us, it seems." It did feel a bit nice, to somewhat have a choice in the matter that both of them had just suddenly been thrown into.

"Yes, I suppose it would," Katryna smiled a bit as she trailed off, "only where to begin..." How would she start to recall the past years of her life and how they shaped her into who she was now? She wasn't exactly used to talking about herself, either.